President Rouhani Stresses Peace in Strait of Hormuz, Closer Ties with Neighbors

News ID: 142991 Service: Politics

September, 17, 2013 - 17:39

TEHRAN (Tasnim) - Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said Tehran wants the strategic Strait of Hormuz to be a waterway of peace and fraternity and called for closer ties between neighboring countries.

“The Islamic Republic of Iran always wants to see the Strait of Hormuz as the strait of peace, friendship and brotherhood,” Rouhani said in a meeting with Omani Minister Responsible for Defense Affairs Badr bin Saud bin Harib al-Busaidi here in Tehran.

He further noted that improving ties and cooperation with the neighboring states is a top priority in Iran’s foreign policy.

As regards ties with Oman, Rouhani said expansion of cooperation with Oman is top on Iran’s agenda.

Omani minister, for his part, said Iran-Oman defense cooperation has witnessed a “positive and constructive” trend so far, and added that the determination of the two countries’ high ranking officials to boost interaction will help advance the two sides’ common objectives.

Omani Sultan Qaboos paid a visit to Iran in late August to become the first head of state to travel to Iran since President Hassan Rouhani took office on August 4, 2013.